The fire brigades union says the move will begin on Monday as a bitter and long-running dispute escalates.

Crews have attended medical emergencies such as heart attacks - as well as fighting fires - since 2015, but the Fire Brigades Union says members have not had adequate training or any extra pay for this.

The union has directed its members to stop going out on emergencies indefinitely, arguing that what was supposed to be a six-month pilot has now been going on for two years.

Firefighters in Greater Manchester are to stop attending medical emergencies from next week

Ahead of the action Andy Burnham has now written to the FBU’s national boss, Matt Wrack, pointing out that while he is in favour of fairer pay for firefighters - which he says is a national issue - Monday’s action will be ‘unfair’ to local people.

“I also believe it puts Greater Manchester firefighters in a difficult position,” he writes.

“They will be unfairly torn between wanting to do their best for the people of Greater Manchester and being loyal to their union. I would therefore ask you to withdraw the directive and allow them to respond voluntarily if they wish.

“There is no doubt in my mind that this scheme has saved lives. If firefighters cease to respond to medical emergencies like cardiac arrests from Monday then people living, working and visiting Greater Manchester who need help may have their chances of survival reduced.”

The row has come to a head following the latest national pay offer of 2pc.

Union bosses point out Greater Manchester’s management has been unusual in fully embracing the emergency medical pilot - and so its firefighters should accordingly be paid extra.

In his letter Mr Burnham says he agrees firefighters nationwide should be paid better, while adding that if medical response is adopted as national policy then that should be ‘permanently recognised’ in their wages.

“However, I am strongly of the opinion that it is not right for the successful EMR pilot in Greater Manchester to be played into these national negotiations,” he adds.